Los Angeles daily herald., 1887-04-24
A Minister Deceived.

Some years ago the pulpit of ST.
Peters. one Of the principal German
churches in st. Petersburg, was fillei
by Pastor Herman; who, ike most o.
the preachers Of that wealthy sect, hat
amaesed considerable fortune, and wa:
much esteemed and beloved by his con
gregation. Not day passed withonN
numerous applications to him for assist
ance OF various kinds, and none wers
sent away withou! word Of ccnsolasior
or more substantial Gift.
One day, as he was compelled by in
disposition to keep his room, q won, IN
came and craved his interference. Sht
had lately removed to st. Petersburg
with her husband who was q goldsmith
and who had succeeded in establishin.
himself so we'll that he earned an ample
support for both of them; but he made
her wretched by his persistent and out
rageous ill.treatment, without the slight.
est provocation or retort on her part
all OF which she had until now patiently
endured.
The pastor expressed his regret that
indisposition prevented him from leaving
the house.
"Bring your husband to me, said he.
"That will be no easy matter, 7"
returned the woman; "for if he suspects
that rebuke is waiting for him he will
not come. No; he must know nothing
of it beforehand. But if l tell him
that you wish to buy something from
him, then he will not fail to wait on
your reverence"
THAT is o lucky thought" said the
pastor, "for / am about to purchase a
complete tea service Of silver"
"And he had just flushed very
beautiful one," exclaimed the woman
The next day the goldsmith came
with his chest, accompanied by the wo
man.
The pastor was secretly surprised to
see her with him, but advanced to meet
him, saying:
"Ah, the silver set?"
"Yes, your reverence, | have brought
the service, IS you desired"
every well" said the pastor. "Bs SO
good as to come with me into my study"
When they were alone, the god
clergyman began to speak urgently upon
the duty of husband, and dwelt with
impressive eloquence upoa the sacred
ness of the vow which married part
ners make before the altar to each
other.
His listener seemed very much aston.
ished, and several times attempted in.
terrupt his discourse, bat Pastor Her.
man begged him to hear him to the
end.
"What excuse can you make for your
conduc.?" asked he, in conclusion.
"What is the cause of it? You look so
mild and good-tempered, my friend.
How comes it that you are such bad
husband?"
"But let ma say just one word, your
reverence. / am"
81 know what you mean to say. You
are usually meek as a lamb and only I'M.
petuous at certain times; but to 60 SO far
as to beat your wifer'
"You have mistaken the person, rev.
cred sir; have never beaten my wife"
"How? Do You deny it." Fie!'
because" continued the man, 81 am
lot married"
"Why, your wife / at this present
waiting in the next ROOM"
"Who? My wife? Your reverence is
mistaken. / have no wife. That woman
is your own housekee er; she came 10
me with commission from you to bring
q service of silver for your inspection. 7"
The pastor began to look uneasy.
'sShe must be mad woman" said he.
"Or a th'e'w said the goldsmith.
They went hastily into the next room
but it was empty! The woman had
disappeared with the chest of silver, and
all the efforts of the pol CO to recover 1t
were in vain.-Figaro.